Florida Motor Vehicle Fatalities Spike in First Half of 2015

Motor vehicle accidents kill and injure people across Florida every day. The sad part is that these accidents can often be avoided if drivers are vigilant behind the wheel. Operating a motor vehicle is a privilege, not a right. As a result, every driver on the road has a legal obligation to drive carefully. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a motor vehicle accident, it is important to speak to a qualified Miami injury attorney who can assess the facts of your case. We understand that dealing with an accident is very difficult, and we are here to help.

The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that there has been a significant increase in traffic deaths in Florida this year from January to June 2015. Preliminary figures show 1,441 motor vehicle deaths in that time frame, which is a 29 percent increase from the first six months of 2014. The NSC says this could be partly attributed to lower gas prices and an increased number of motorists on the road. Florida is one of three states that have reported more than 1,000 traffic fatalities during the first six months of 2015. The other two states are Texas and California.

When a driver fails to operate their motor vehicle in a reasonably safe manner, they may be deemed negligent. Negligence is the failure to exercise reasonable care while driving. Reasonable care is how a prudent driver would drive in the same or similar conditions. Thus, what is considered reasonable will vary depending on the specific situation. In general, however, a prudent Florida driver would follow driving laws and not partake in any actions that would endanger others on the road.

To prevail on a negligence claim, the injured party must demonstrate the following elements. The defendant must have had a duty of care, the defendant must not have exercised reasonable care while driving, the defendant’s failure to exercise reasonable care while driving must have been the direct cause of the accident, and the victim must have suffered damages as a result. Negligence cases are highly fact-intensive, which is why having a detail-oriented lawyer on your side can make all the difference in your case.

Each automobile accident is different, which means the extent of the injuries will also vary. An injured victim, however, will typically be able to recover medical expenses, future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, property damage, and more. In rare cases, a plaintiff may even obtain punitive damages. Punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior. These types of damages are only available in cases in which the defendant’s conduct was egregious or malicious.

At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, we help accident victims from Miami and South Florida. Our car accident attorneys understand personal injury law and can help you navigate through your case. We are here to answer your questions and address your concerns. We can work diligently to seek the compensation you deserve in your case. We proudly serve clients throughout South Florida. To learn more, call us at 1-877-499-HURT (4878) or contact us online today.